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6.38% Arcane: Champion Witness System / Chapter 23: -23- Stop the chit-chat

Kapitel 23: -23- Stop the chit-chat

"Linwin, do we have any bread? Just the regular kind is fine."

"I'm not picky."

A slightly embarrassed voice sounded behind him, nearly making Linwin burst into laughter.

Wait, this little guy, Powder, insisted on having bread even though she's not picky?

Well, Linwin had actually prepared it in advance for Powder.

And Powder was well aware that there would always be something tasty on Linwin.

Moreover, if it weren't for the inconvenience of bringing the ice cream from Piltover, Linwin actually wanted Powder to taste the ice cream. After all, growing up in Zaun, Powder definitely hadn't tried that.

Without turning his head, Linwin said, "Check in my bag."

"Thanks!"

Powder's face lit up with joy, and she quickly trotted to the table. Then, she tiptoed and took down the backpack Linwin had hung up when he entered.

Opening Linwin's backpack, Powder quickly found what she wanted.

It was a large oiled paper bag, containing two beautifully colored and very soft loaves of bread. On the side, there were several different colored candies and something like a blackboard, black but emitting a sweet smell.

"Wow!!!"

Powder looked at the pile of little candies and exclaimed in excitement, "Can I have this too?"

"Everything in the oiled paper bag is for you."

"Is this... Is this chocolate?"

Powder exclaimed again, "No, Linwin, Linwin, can I eat this too? This should be very expensive, right?"

She was extremely surprised!

She had heard that this was super expensive!

And it's only sold in Piltover, because something like this would never appear in Zaun; it's simply not suitable.

Not only was it pricey, but it was also just a small piece. As for the price... this small piece in Zaun could probably buy several dozen fish?

Powder was a bit skeptical, but, but, but, it was in the paper bag.

So she grabbed it, then looked at Linwin's figure and asked loudly.

Linwin turned around and saw Powder holding a piece of black "slate" in her hands. It was a chocolate the size of Linwin's palm. Powder was now cradling the dark chocolate in her small hands, looking at Linwin with disbelief.

But there was hope in her eyes, and her little head was tilted slightly, resembling a cute little blue kitten.

Linwin: "."

It was just a piece of chocolate, but Powder made it seem like she got something extraordinary. Linwin couldn't help but smile. After all, he was getting a bit tired of the fancy food during his stay in Piltover with Jayce and Viktor.

As a member of Piltover's aristocracy, Jayce wasn't just a guy focused on inventions; he truly knew how to enjoy life. 

Afternoon tea was an essential ritual, and Jayce's childhood friend, although Linwin hadn't met her yet, was known for preparing delicious treats. 

From the delicate appearance of these cakes, so similar to certain champion's abilities, Linwin guessed who the pastry chef was.

These exquisite cakes were either cream filled or chocolate, but they all used the finest ingredients. She was, after all, Lady Kiramman's daughter, a councilwoman in Piltover.

Linwin nudged Vi with his arm and said, "Everything in the oiled paper bag is for you and Powder. But for now, let's stick to eating the bread. Save the candy for after the meal."

"Okay!"

Powder opened the oiled paper bag on the table and divided the items into two portions.

Since the number of candies couldn't be divided equally, Powder gave the extra portion to Vi, intending to have one less candy herself.

Upon hearing that she had her share, Vi, who was standing by the sink, changed her expression and immediately wore a smile.

Of course, she wanted to eat something delicious too. But being the older sister and considering the circumstances, Vi had to suppress her desires. She also liked beautiful things and wanted to eat aesthetically pleasing food.

For instance, exquisite cakes, tasty pastries, though not red tea, Vi couldn't get used to that kind of drink.

Inside the small room, Powder stood behind Linwin, holding the bread in her hands and chewing. Vi, however, was caught by Linwin and he wanted to show this defiant gal how to cook.

"You handle the fish first and let me see how you cook."

"What more do you need to do with this? It's really annoying. Just cut it open and throw it in the pot," Vi said, holding the fish Linwin had prepared and was about to throw it into the pot.

"Ow, it hurts!"

Then, she clutched her hand and glared at Linwin.

"Did Vander teach you to cook like this?"

"No, what are you thinking? He can't cook. He just buys things for us to eat." Vi rubbed her hand that Linwin had hit with a spoon and answered.

Seeing her nonchalant demeanor, Linwin spoke again, "But you've seen me cook so many times. How about learning to cook properly from me?"

"Watching you cook is troublesome!"

"I'm more interested to learn fighting from you," Vi said with a smile, "Who needs to learn to cook from you? Besides, you cook for me and Powder anyway."

"You little..., Mylo and Claggor have definitely got the boss wrong."

Linwin gently tapped Vi's brow with his finger.

But surprisingly, being trusted and relied upon by Vi, this stubborn character, felt pretty good.

So, Linwin began handling the fish on the wooden board. These fish fillets, brought by Ekko for Vi, had colorful fish skins, with each section displaying different hues. The fish meat itself was white, but it contained a peculiar kind of mucus inside. A gentle squeeze and it splattered out like oil.

If this mucus wasn't handled properly, the fish meat would emit a fishy smell. So, Linwin pressed the fish meat, rinsed it with water, repeated this twice, then cut open the fish meat with a knife, spreading the spices placed nearby onto the fish.

Cooking itself wasn't a very difficult task. However, in a survival environment like Zaun, most people were too lazy to enjoy such things.

When survival became a problem, talking about enjoyment seemed a bit extravagant.

But actually, Linwin believed that it was important to occasionally indulge and enjoy. That's how people could survive better. At least, processing ingredients reasonably, tossing them in a pot, and making the food tastier was not a very difficult task, was it? Making the meals more delightful to eat. If this wasn't considered important, then Linwin felt there might not be anything significant in this world.

So Linwin grabbed the girl that was holding her bread and was about to escape to eat. He pressed her down beside him and earnestly said, "Watch me carefully and learn how to cook. At least strive to learn something from me. Don't always let Powder criticize your cooking."

"It's such a hassle!"

Vi, holding the bread, muttered.

But to be honest, as Linwin carefully handled the fish on the cutting board step by step, she was watching attentively.

Then, a not-so-fancy dish was cooked by Linwin.

It was a slightly salty fish soup, filled with fish pieces slightly scorched after a simple frying.

"This looks even more delicious than what Vi makes."

Holding a spoon, Powder complimented Linwin at the dining table, downplaying her sister's cooking. Then, she split her own bread, handed a large piece to Linwin, and said, "You eat, I already had mine."

Linwin smiled and shook his head.

Little Powder was only ten years old, but she knew how to share. Good upbringing! Childrens of Zaun mature early.

"Are you really not eating, Linwin?"

Powder blinked, and after Linwin nodded again, she didn't insist further. Instead, with a contented expression, she broke her bread into small pieces and put them into the fish soup.

This was a method Linwin had taught her earlier. Good bread was soft, and once soaked in the soup, it combined the unique aroma of wheat with the savory taste of the fish soup, creating a wonderful eating experience. 

That's why she liked Linwin.

And these bread brought from Piltover were definitely of better quality than those from Zaun.

Linwin lowered his head to sip the fish soup, finding it a bit salty, but it might be just right for Vi and Powder. 

Just as he thought about this, something bumped into his face. He raised his head and saw Vi sitting beside him, tilting her head, holding bread in her hand, and offering it to Linwin.

She didn't look at Linwin but loudly said, "I, I can't finish it alone, and I don't really like this, so help me eat some."

Linwin: "."

Who was it that was cherishing the bread so much earlier? 

"Are you sure?"

Vi tossed a huge chunk of bread into Linwin's big bowl and held the bowl, pretending to drink the fish soup.

"Stop the chit-chat."


Kapitel 24: -24- You damn liar!

"Tonight, I'm won't be leaving. I'll be staying with you , but tomorrow morning, I should go find Vander," Linwin said as he sat on the couch. Cooking was his job, but doing the dishes clearly wasn't.

Powder stood on a stool, washing the dishes, while Vi was engaged in post-meal exercise, throwing punches at a wooden post Linwin had crafted a year ago.

Linwin watched Vi's punches. She had excellent rhythm, and her punches were both fast and precise. Vi was a genius when it came to fighting, unlike learning to cook or studying. In the realm of combat talent, Vi far surpassed Linwin.

Vi, like Ekko, is a genius, but Vi is a genius in fighting.

At thirteen or fourteen, she could defeat a group of men several years older than her. How could Vi not be a genius?

Linwin watched her as every punch landed on the wooden stake. To be honest, it was hard to imagine these sounds coming from a teenage girl.

"Tomorrow? How long do you plan to disappear again? And what what are you doing to help Vander? Little guy told me Vander has been expanding his territory recently. Linwin, it's strange, Vander seems different from before."

Vi continued to punch the wooden stake while talking to Linwin.

On the other side, Powder was doing the dishes, not paying attention to the conversation between the 'big guys.'

She was standing on a stool, washing three large bowls with a smile on her face. On a distant surface, her doll was placed.

She didn't need her doll for company while Linwin was around.

Actually, Powder really likes the night because during the night, whether at Vander's tavern or here with Linwin, there is always someone to accompany her.

At Vander's place, Vi would tell her bedtime stories and play around with her before bedtime.

They would pretend to be monsters and play-fight together.

While here with Linwin, she would listen to Linwin tell stories and talk about what he has been up to lately.

Powder really loves this sense of peace.

"Vander wants to be a key figure in Zaun."

"Isn't he already?" Vi asked in confusion.

"When has he become the boss of Zaun? I'm not aware of that."

"He led everyone in charging the bridge before, and everyone listened to him. Doesn't that make him the boss?"

"No, at that time, he was just leading the people of the Black Ally in resistance. Zaun has a lot of people in total, Vi. The Black Ally is just a small part of it."

If Vander had led the entire population of Zaun in the charge against the bridge back then, the situation would have been different. At least Piltover would have taken Zaun's issues seriously. Even if they were arrogant and proud, they would have been scared if the entire city rebelled. They might have even made compromises as a result.

The problem was that Vander didn't have that capability. He was only leading a few folks from the Black Ally and the surrounding area.

After all, most people were content with the status quo. They wouldn't follow Vander to their deaths.

Linwin drank water, looking at Vi and said, "But this time is different. Vander wants to be the boss of all of Zaun, and for that, he needs my help."

"Thud, thud, thud!"

"Thunk!"

Vi remained silent, but accelerated her pace, hitting the wooden post harder with her fists.

"Bang!"

Finally, a strong backhand punch created a deep dent in the specially crafted wooden post. Vi, panting, turned to Linwin and asked seriously, "Is it because of me?"

Linwin nodded, not considering this to be a secretive matter.

Perhaps the reason Vi preferred seeking Linwin after encountering issues wasn't because she genuinely thought Linwin was more important than Vander. She loved Vander, of course. It's just... Vander tended to brush her off, treating her like a child incapable of meaningful conversation. He always lectured her with grand ideas instead of engaging in proper communication. In this aspect, Linwin differed from Vander.

Well, without the system, frankly, Vi could probably beat up several of him. Linwin didn't view Vi as a child.

She was different from Powder.

So Linwin continued, "Well, Vander has a relationship with the Piltovan enforcers. As you've heard from Ekko, he initially wanted to turn himself in and take the blame for you."

Vi stood there, catching her breath after her punches, her anger growing as she listened to Linwin.

Standing on her tiptoes on the stool, her face wearing a displeased expression, she spoke, "He's being unreasonable!."

"You're wrong on this. He is a father and a good one," Linwin waved for Vi to sit beside him.

Once she came over, Linwin continued, "If Vander was born in a prosperous era of Zaun, he would surely be a competent leader. But now... he's an inadequate boss. However, Vi, you mustn't hold resentment against Vander. Don't think he's bad just because of his high-handedness. Though Vander might not be a capable leader, he's certainly a good father."

"I know, but what he was about to do was just too much, Linwin."

"He never considered how I'd feel about this."

Linwin nodded with a smile. This was one of the reasons he acted against Vander.

Vander always aimed for compromises, thinking he could solve everything, but he never thought about how the people he helped would feel.

If he indeed took the blame for Vi, given Vi's personality, she would genuinely resent herself for a lifetime.

Linwin knew that well.

Vi was a girl of this sort.

Linwin put his arm around Vi's shoulder, gently resting her head on his shoulder.

Vi didn't resist.

This was the advantage of having a 100% favorability. Even if she was tsundere, at 100% favorability, she was completely straightforward.

"But now he's realized."

"So, he started putting on his gauntlets again. And this time, Vi, it's not to fight the topsiders to the death. He just wants to protect his two daughters."

"Alright, alright, I get it, Linwin. My bad, okay?" 

Vi sat up straight, turned to look at Linwin, her eyes filled with displeasure.

"Can you stop scolding me whenever you find a chance? I never said Vander is bad. I just... I just think he handled this situation poorly, he should've considered my feelings."

"Shut up, you little brat. If you didn't go stealing with Powder, would this even happen? Also, if I don't scold you now, it'll be hard to correct you when you're older."

Linwin said confidently.

"How can there be someone like you? What do you mean, it'll be hard to correct me when I'm older?"

Vi protested. "You told me to be a reasonable person, but you never act reasonably yourself."

Linwin swiftly gave her a playful tap on the head, and when she was holding her head, pouting at him, he chuckled and said, "Silly, it's because I don't just speak reasonably, I can also use my fists to get my point across."

"Your fists are not as big as mine, so my rules stand. You better follow them."

"Vander manages the Black Ally like this, right?"

"Exactly, but look, it's because he hasn't shown his fists for too long that his rules are slowly being ignored."

"So, tomorrow..." Vi suddenly placed her hands on her chest, making a praying gesture. Her small head shook as her pink hair swayed. Then, she blinked her eyes and whispered to Linwin, "Can you take me with you?"

"Do you know what I'm going to do tomorrow?"

"Fighting, right? I get it, Linwin. I can help you!"

"Wait, what are you two talking about?"

In the distance, Powder had just finished washing the dishes and heard Vi mentioning going for a fight.

"Where are you guys going?" Powder stood there, looking at Vi. "Can I come?"

"Powder..." Vi hesitated.

This wasn't a simple theft; it was going into gang territory for a fight. It was dangerous. After contemplating, Vi firmly said, "No, you're too young."

"Vi, I'm not young! I can help you!"

Powder protested unhappily.

"I said no, and it's final. This time is not about stealing; it's about fighting, and it's very dangerous."

"I have my little monkey; it can help us deal with the enemies."

Seeing it wasn't working with Vi, Powder quickly turned to Linwin and pleaded, "Linwin, take me with you. Please, don't leave me behind. I can help."

"Linwin."

Vi just started speaking, and Linwin shook his head at her.

He looked at Powder and asked, "Do you really want to go with us?"

"Yes!" Powder vigorously nodded.

"Do you want to help me and Vander?"

"I do!"

Vi, becoming anxious, said, "Linwin!"

"Don't worry."

Linwin blinked at Vi.

Vi was puzzled but gave Linwin a stern look.

"I have a plan."

Powder immediately leaped onto Linwin's leg, happily laughing, "Linwin, you're the best!"

Vi, on the other hand, said grumpily, "You better have one."

----------------------

The next day, at the last drop.

At the counter, Greg, Sevika, Vi, and Powder sat together.

Sevika looked expressionless, staring at Powder, who was locking eyes with her.

Greg kept his eyes on Vi.

He had to listen to Vander and Linwin.

They told him to watch over her.

Vi looked at Greg who was almost the size of Vander. Her eyes twitched, recalling what they had agreed on last night...

Vi: "."

"Linwin, you damn liar!!"


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